Blower v GH Canfield LLP

Subject Matter

NEGLIGENCE — Solicitor — Advice

[2024] EWHC 2763 (Ch), Ch D

NEGLIGENCE — Solicitor — Breach of duty

[2025] EWCA Civ 1627, CA

AI Summary & Issues

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In the High Court case of Sandra Blower v GH Canfields LLP, the claimant's allegation of professional negligence against the defendant solicitors was dismissed. The court found that the defendant acted reasonably in advising on a settlement with a bankruptcy trustee and that the claimant failed to establish causation of loss. The settlement, which protected the Blower family from significant claims, was considered a reasonable compromise. Thus, the court affirmed the defendant's conduct as consistent with that of a competent solicitor.

Issues

• Did the defendant fail to exercise the care and skill expected of reasonably competent solicitors in advising the claimant and her daughter regarding the settlement agreement with the trustee in bankruptcy?
• Was there a breach of duty by the defendant in failing to properly analyse the material in its possession, which may have affected the claimant's decision to settle?
• Did the claimant establish a causal link between the alleged negligence of the defendant and the losses she claimed to have suffered as a result of the settlement agreement?

Commentary

Law Society Gazette
High Court throws out complaint over solicitor's 'settle' advice Case comment